Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Hit and run accident under investigation in Red Oak

April 30th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Red Oak Police and other agencies are investigating a hit-and-run accident which occurred Sunday night. Sheriff’s officials say the incident took place at around 9:30-p.m., near the Red Oak Fire Department on North Broadway. An initial investigation determined a City of Red Oak Fire Department pickup operated by 24-year old Rudee Phillip DeMarce, of Red Oak, was traveling north on Broadway and beginning to turn right into the entrance of Legion Park, when a dark colored sedan hit the pickup on the right side. DeMarce was not injured during the crash.

The car, later identified as a 2006 Chevy Impala, jumped the curb after hitting the pickup, and continued northbound through the Fire Department’s yard, where it hit a sign and sign post before returning to Broadway and taking off at a high rate of speed. While the incident was under investigation, a citizen notified authorities a vehicle matching the hit-and-run suspect’s vehicle had been abandoned at Highway 34 and Eastern Avenue. The car had sustained front end extensive, disabling damage.

The owner of the vehicle was identified as Jack LeRoy Wilson, of Shenandoah. Authorities says it’s not clear though, who was driving the car. Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by a K-9 unit, tried to track down the person or persons who may have been in the vehicle, but their efforts were not successful. Other agencies assisting in the investigation, included the Shenandoah Police Department, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol. The incident remains under investigation.

Damage to the City of Red Oak Fire Department’s 2006 Chevy 2500 pickup was estimated at $2,500, while Wilson’s car sustained approximately $5,000 damage.